“Colors” refers to people of color in anime. For this monthly topic, we will be discussing how people of color or characters of different “races” (a literal alien race) are represented in anime. Some topics we considering is the dangers of stereotyping, bi-racial characters, and the importance of racial inclusion.

Why K-Project?

When the theme was officially out, I knew it has to be K-Project. I love K-Project, and it seemed like an obvious choice especially when talking about ‘colors,’ because well, the series literally put so much emphasis on it.

K-Project in a nutshell

It’s about 7 clans ruled by a designated ‘king’ who each owns a specific territory and commands a group. They are identified by COLORS and have some distinct ways, mannerisms, and group policies that each member of the clan obeys. And yes, they have distinct powers too!

Colorless Clan

Ideally, the clans were to be on EQUAL standing with each other – with everyone respecting another group’s policies and mode of operations and trying AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE to mind their own business.

Unfortunately, this idealistic vision doesn’t seem to work well given the unique identities of the clans as well as the disposition of their ‘Kings’.

K-project Colors and Common Societal Stereotypes

Silver Clan – ‘The Untouchables’

They’re the group who work behind the scenes. At present, they can be represented by huge corporation CEOs, Triad bosses, etc. We know or get the feeling that they’re there. But we never see them in action.

Gold Clan – ‘The Equalizer’

In the anime, this clan exudes the aura of being indifferent. They don’t mingle, they don’t get in the way. But if they feel like their stability is tested and someone’s been prying on their business, they act. Fast and efficient.

At present, they can be presented by international political entities who has their eyes and ears on other nation’s interests.

Red Clan – ‘The Disruptors’

Or the ‘Freedom Fighters,’ ‘The Freestylers,’….name it. In the anime, they’re the group who exercises the strongest individual will, which is not hampered by any specific set of rules. This can be largely attributed to the fact that their King (Mikoto Suoh) wasn’t much of a ‘policy person’ too.

They work in groups, have the strongest bond and regards loyalty to their ‘clanmates’ with so much reverence. I guess lots of millennials fall on this clan. No offense! ^_^

Blue Clan – ‘The Enforcers’

Like the police force, yes. They’re the direct opposite of the Red clan. They follow strict rules and policies to maintain peace and order in their territory. With the Red’s rather rash actions, it’s not a surprise to see them butting heads with each other every now and then.

Green Clan – ‘The Innovators’

This clan is tech-savvy and uses their organized network to improve their individual rank within the group. Sadly, many members use this opportunity to step on their own clanmates and harm other clans.

Gray Clan – ‘The Practical’

It’s honestly difficult to equate a stereotype to this clan as it’s only presented by their laid-back king in the anime series. Despite not having a very solid identity, Tenkei Iwafune (the king) remains a practical man who doesn’t complicate things.

Anyone who lives life simply, listens to people and refrains from overthinking can most likely relate to this clan.

Colorless Clan – ‘The Idealist’

Much like the Gray Clan, there wasn’t so much focus given on this clan, but the airtime given for its introduction is enough to get an idea of what it stands for. This clan doesn’t meddle with the others’ affairs. In fact, some argued that it may be nonexistent.

But it’s king, Ichigen Miwa is an advocate of kindness and sees peace as the highest form of virtue. He was well aware of the existence of evil, but it never stopped him from doing what is good and right.

There is one saying that goes like;

Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are

In this anime, it would probably sound like;

Tell me who your king is, and I’ll tell you who you are

And while no one could actually give a definite description of your personality, it’s quite true that the people you spend most time with are likely to have the same interests as you do.

Stereotyping isn’t new and we see it across all levels of social relationships just like in K-Project.

Reds are tagged by the Blues as lawless for breaking rules

Greens are hated by the Reds and Blues for playing dirty

Golds are despised by the Reds for hiding behind their reputation

…and so on. Likewise,

Free minds and bold personalities are tagged as unstable and rule-breakers by those who values hierarchy and play by the book

Innovators are criticized for breaking status quo and doing things ‘the way they want it’

Leaders face criticism for implementing rules that satisfy one side and degrades the other

COLORS in K-project is a statement of identity and belongingness, but it has also become an instant label for stereotyping.

While one finds family and friendship in a group, he or she must also brace himself for the potentials of being labeled as this and that.

On the brighter side, it gives one the opportunity to face the challenge and prove the others wrong. Just because you belong to this race, color, or group doesn’t mean you no longer respect what others stand for.

The Red and the Blue clans were at each other’s throats ever since the series started. But their differences and issues never stopped them from working together in the end to achieve a common goal – something which you’ll have to see for yourself if you haven’t watched the series yet.

OWLS have been continuously raising awareness across the blogging community, and #FreeToBeMe pretty much has a clear and solid identity. Still, I know we can’t please everyone with what we’re advocating. But OWLS is OWLS. Let’s keep on moving forward!

*pulls you to a hug* Cheers to the Red Clan! I’m not a big fan of Fushimi, but he’s definitely one of the most interesting characters of the series. Well, he was a red through and through….just sided with the Blue to help the Red….so well….he still belongs.

…Fushimi leave for the Blue Clan to help the Red Clan? Funny cause I always thought I left them cause he was losing Yata attention and cause Munataka actually saw Fushimi potential. He did side with the Green clan to help the Blue Clan tho

Oh wow. Excellent post, Venus. I mist watch this anime. Added to my to-watch list. I like your point about how each of the color clan’s distinct qualities give the members a sense of identity and community, but on the negative side, by identifying with these distinct qualities, they subject themselves to stereotyping. This is very apparent in many of the status quo in our society right now, in schools, at work, in the government, in almost every human dealings. Well done, Venus. Keep up the great work. Thank you for writing such a lovely OWLS post. Cheers!

I actually began watching this anime a few days ago! I’m on episode 6. Ehehe. And oh my gosh, many of my favourite seiyuu are in the cast. I’m so happy. The art is gorgeous and thr story is good too. I can see the colour schemes in your post. Thanks!

Awesome Post Venus 🙂 thoroughly enjoyed this . I liked how you went through each colour clan identifying their place in the community and the judgement upon each other is the norm. You did well to describe on the topic of “colours” hehe 🙂

I love this. One of my favorite things about the K series is how each group had their own set of beliefs and values. My favorite group is the Red group because although they seem like “delinquents”, they all share a deep bond of friendship.

This series, WOW, you’ve sold it to me! It’s the paragon show for this month’s topic, and tying the theme of Colors with stereotyping proved to be a really strong piece in this tour. If we stopped and talked our reasoning and way of thinking to each other, then maybe we would understand why we (or our clans, in the show) are seen the way they are. Incredible job representing what the OWLS stand for!

(and if I just had to blindly pick a fave clan for myself, hmm, feeling the silver :3)